42 Round 3 (2/2)

I was on the verge of tears again. Who was this strange person I have been with?

”YOU BOUGHT THE GOD DAMN PLACE! HOW COULD YOU NOT KNOW WHERE I LIVED?”

”I, actually, didn't buy it. One of my friends did.”

What the hell was this woman doing to my brain?

”So I have been living off of someone's charity?”

”What does it matter? I was the catalyst in the whole operation. In a sense, it WAS me who rolled the snowball.”

I was silent. I was analyzing the audacity she had for trying to stay face. I was shocked as well as amazed at her tenacity.

”Amaan, I am leaving.”

”Next Friday, then?”

”No. I am leaving for good. I am leaving you. I am leaving my past. And I am leaving my shitty luck behind in this godforsaken country.”

”Listen. Wait.” Amaan quickly leapt off the bed and dashed to stop me from leaving the room.

”Madonna, I'm sorry. I didn't behave appropriately. Please, I apologize. But let me listen to everything before you leave.

And so I did. I told her about the break up. I told her about the bland relationship we shared. I told her about the call.

Amaan earnestly listened to everything I said, and calmly took a deep breath. After a couple of seconds, she opened her eyes with glimmer and passion. The bright & broad smile she displayed made me sour in the soul.

”I have an idea.”

I had tired expressions all over my face.

”Listen to it before you show complete disdain for it. You don't want to freeload, right? Then why don't you work for me?”

I would be lying if I said I was not interested. ”What are you proposing,” I asked.

”You can be my personal assistant. At university, we are no more than professor and student. But at home, I am your boss. I will pay you well.”

I pretended to think about it, but I already knew I was going to take it.

”Think over it. Let me know. It would work in your favor in many ways.”

I tried to play hardball.

”I don't know, it sounds too good to be true.”

And what did you know, it was an offer out of hell.